Meet the Team: Ivy Yuson, Program Coordinator, CHW Workforce Collaborative

Welcome to our blog series, “Meet the AAPCHO Team,” where you’ll have a chance to get to know our staff! Meet Ivy Yuson, Program Coordinator, CHW Workforce Collaborative, as she answers some questions.

What’s your role at AAPCHO?

Program Coordinator with the Community Health Worker (CHW) Workforce Collaborative.

Who are Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander health champions that you think people should know about?

Dr. Dawn Bohulano Mabalon was a historian and community leader based in Stockton, CA, who worked to preserve and promote the history and culture of Filipino Americans in the United States. She was also a health champion, who advocated for better healthcare for Filipino Americans and other underserved communities. Dr. Mabalon was the author of the book “Little Manila Is in the Heart: The Making of the Filipina/o American Community in Stockton, California.” Her work chronicled the experiences of Filipino Americans in California and highlighted the contributions they have made to American society. Dr. Mabalon passed away in 2018, but her legacy as a health champion and advocate for Filipino American history and culture lives on. Her work has inspired many to continue the fight for better healthcare and social justice for all communities, particularly those who have been historically marginalized and underserved.

Dr. Keolu Fox is a Native Hawaiian geneticist. He is an Assistant Professor at the University of California, San Diego, where he has been recognized for his work in promoting indigenous perspectives in genomics research. Dr. Fox’s research focuses on the genetic basis of disease, particularly in indigenous populations. He has advocated for the inclusion of indigenous communities in genomics research, and has highlighted the importance of incorporating indigenous knowledge and perspectives into the design and implementation of genetic studies. Dr. Fox has also been a vocal advocate for ethical considerations in genetic research, particularly around issues of informed consent and the potential misuse of genetic data. Through his work, Dr. Fox has helped to promote a more inclusive and equitable approach to genomics research, particularly for indigenous communities, and has been an important voice in advancing ethical considerations in genetic research.

How would you describe what community health centers do and why they should support them to someone who may not be familiar with them?

Community health centers are community-based, community-run health centers that provide culturally competent health care services for anyone, specifically underserved and uninsured populations. They play a critical role in addressing healthcare disparities by providing care to populations that might otherwise have limited access to healthcare services. Community health centers are important because they provide access to high-quality healthcare for millions of people who might otherwise go without care. They also help to reduce healthcare costs by providing preventative care and reducing the need for more expensive emergency room visits.

What are you most looking forward to in your new position at AAPCHO?

I’m most looking forward to the Innovations Conference that will bring together our CHW Workforce Collaborative partners! I’m excited to create a space for community health centers and CHWs to share what they’ve learned about providing care for their communities through the Health Resources and Services Administration grant. My goal for this conference is to congratulate our partners on the amazing work they’ve been doing, and to also inspire them to continue advocating for CHWs as vital contributors to providing high quality health care for their community members.

What is your favorite or go-to childhood comfort food?

Ginataang hipon, sitaw, at kalabasa; champorado; and bibingka ❤